Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
For best results, put specific keyword, title or phrase in quotes. (i.e. “Ash Wednesday”)
Happening Now
The following offers the latest information about events and activities happening in the Diocese of Little Rock.
Bishop announces pastoral appointments
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments for the Diocese of Little Rock on Friday, April 6, 2018. Effective May 31: Rev. Pius Ajunwa Iwu, relieved of his responsibilities as associate pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith and Our Lady of the Ozarks Shrine in Winslow to become senior priest and reside at Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith. Effective June 13: Dc. Patrick R. Friend, to be ordained to the priesthood on May 26, appointed chaplain at Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock, with residence in the House ... More
Help Arkansas Catholic reach millennials
Arkansas Catholic is launching its biannual Guardian Angel membership drive this week. Since 2010 the Diocese of Little Rock newspaper has appealed to readers to donate to several special projects, including digitizing back issues and investing in technology to reach younger Catholics. While any donation is appreciated, the membership levels are: Angel, a one-time gift of $60 or a recurring gift of $5 a month; Archangel, a one-time gift of $120 a year or a recurring gift of $10 a month; and Evangelist, a one-time gift of $300 a year or a recurring gift of $25 a month. ... More
New Catholics: Welcome to the Church!
Catholic parishes across the Diocese of Little Rock welcomed 544 new Catholics into the Church during Easter Vigil Masses Saturday, March 31. They participated in their parish's Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process and fell into two groups: the elect and candidates. The elect had not been baptized or formed in the Christian faith and life. During the Easter Vigil, they were baptized, confirmed and receive their first Communion. Candidates were already baptized members of other Christian churches who wished to become Catholic. ... More
Holy Saturday: Light overcomes darkness
On Holy Saturday, we gather for the climax of the Easter Triduum. "On this holy night, the Church keeps watch, celebrating the resurrection of Christ in the sacraments and awaiting his return in glory. It is the turning point of the triduum, the Passover of the new covenant, which marks Christ's passage from death to life." Known as the "mother of all vigils," the Easter Vigil Mass takes places after sundown and before daybreak, thus beginning and ending in darkness. This year it is March 31. Visit Arkansas Catholic to find an Easter Vigil Mass in your area. ... More
Good Friday was day the battle was won
On Good Friday, we fast, abstain and relive Jesus' suffering and death so we never forget God's unconditional love and desire for us to be saved. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." (John 3:16) This is the only day of the year we do not celebrate Mass. This sober service includes the Liturgy of the Word, general intercessions, veneration of the cross and reception of the Eucharist. This year it is March 30. Visit Arkansas Catholic to find a Good Friday service in your area. ... More
Westside clinic now in McDonald Center
In January, Westside Free Medical Clinic moved from Camp Aldersgate to The McDonald Center in Little Rock. It had been serving patients in the former location for the past 36 years. The McDonald Center, located on the campus of St. John Catholic Center, houses Catholic Charities of Arkansas, which includes the staff of Westside Free Medical Clinic. Previously, space for the clinic was not available but relocation of diocesan staff made it possible in recent years. Karen DiPippa, director of Westside Free Medical Clinic, told Arkansas Catholic some speciality services ... More
Bishop appeals for conscience protection
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor wrote the following letter, March 9, 2018, to the Arkansas delegation in Washington asking them to pass the Conscience Protection Act, which would protect doctors and nurses from being forced to assist with abortions. The letter reads: “I am contacting you to urge that the Conscience Protection Act (HR 644/S 301) be enacted into law as part of the final FY 2018 funding bill. “I realize that you understand the urgent need for Americans to be free from the government being able to force them to violate their deeply held convictions about the respect ... More
Need to renew DACA is urgent, agency says
Recent court decisions require the federal government to resume accepting applications to renew expiring Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) cases. Catholic Immigration Services in Little Rock and Springdale strongly encourages all DACA recipients to renew their Employment Authorization cards as soon as possible, if their DACA has expired or will expire within the next 150 days. This will allow recipients to keep work permits and to renew driver’s licenses for another two years. Because the future status of DACA is uncertain, the need to renew is urgent. ... More
